Why is Ichigo always in Shikai mode?

Question

Other shinigami are always in normal mode, and then when needed, transform into Shikai or Bankai modes. But as soon as Ichigo leaned Bankai mode he never went back to normal mode. Or maybe he is always in normal mode and he always skips Shikai and goes straight into Bankai mode? Why is he different?

however they may be able to seal it back, since Yamamoto with his great power could seal ryujin jakka — , Dec 02 '13 at 04:44

score 10 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 06 '13 at 02:15

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According to the Bleach Wiki,

Yoruichi Shihōin has stated that his Zanpakutō is a full-time released form type because of Ichigo's vast but uncontrollable spiritual energy upon generation of it, implying that it is simply a type of Zanpakutō that, without proper control of his spiritual energy, once in Shikai form, remains in said state.

answered Jan 06 '13 at 02:15

Arturia Pendragon

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The wiki either has overly creative interpretation of what she says or cites wrong place in manga. When she trained Ichigo she pointed out the fact that he has always released sword, but without offering any explanation for it whatsoever. – Rarst Jan 06 '13 at 09:32
I thought it was that since each Zanpaktou is unique, that some had a permanent shikai mode. It was referenced(I think) during Ichigo's training. (Idk which) – Blue Jan 20 '13 at 17:58
was referenced by Urahara, if i recall correctly... – Vogel612 Jul 01 '13 at 08:23

score 6 · Answer 2 · answered Jan 05 '13 at 21:32

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The two characters with constantly released shikai are Ichigo and Zaraki. Both have trait of excessive energy and Zaraki says so openly as explanation for released state of his sword. Which doesn't necessarily mean he is correct about it - he is not into technical side of things.

Since both of them are quite unconventional characters in setting and their abilities are not fully explored, there was no conclusive reason given for it so far.

answered Jan 05 '13 at 21:32

Rarst

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zaraki kenpachi's zanpaktou is not a constantly released shikai type, as he has never even used shikai, not (yet) knowing the name of his sword – Vogel612 Jul 01 '13 at 08:24
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@Vogel612 that's old and common theory, based on Zaraki saying it that he is not maintaining seal on his sword (chapter 109). With recent developments it might get disproved, but so far there was nothing to counter it. As per answer - both are unconventional characters, so mulling how technicalities of imaginary rules apply to them might be tad moot point. :) – Rarst Jul 01 '13 at 09:20
it is a Darn good thing Kenpachi was wrong as his real Zanpaktou is Epic. – Ryan Apr 19 '16 at 15:54

score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Jan 05 '13 at 21:03

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Ichigo is always in his Shikai released state. He has been ever since he learned Zangetsu's name.

It is unclear and was never explained.

It's also worth noting that Zangetsu doesn't have a command for awakening.

answered Jan 05 '13 at 21:03

Madara's Ghost

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score 1 · Answer 4 · edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:54

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It is not explained why Ichigo's sword is always in it's released state but many assume it is due to his massive spiritual pressure. although with new information some are considering that it is due to his quincy lineage.

And unlike what Rarst's answer says, Kenpachi Zaraki's sword is not always in its released state. Kenpachi does not have a released state at this point in time is due to the fact that he has never spoken with his zanpakuto. That is just how his swords unreleased state looks just as all soul reaper's have different shaped unreleased zanpakuto. They are all katanas but of different size and shape.

edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:54

Community

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answered Jul 01 '13 at 07:13

user1972

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would you please refrain from commenting in answers? i know you can't comment on everyones answers yet, but what you said is not helpful... – Vogel612 Jul 01 '13 at 08:26
@Vogel612 I modified the answer to make it a rectification, instead of a response to the other answer. – JNat Jul 01 '13 at 13:11

score 0 · Answer 5 · edited Sep 13 '13 at 05:24

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Ichigo is always in shikai mode due to his inability to completely control his massive reiatsu. It is the same with Zaraki, when he openly states that his isn't in its sealed form and that he doesn't even know the name of his zanpakuto, when Ichigo asked him why Zaraki's looked different from everybody else's.

edited Sep 13 '13 at 05:24

Danalog

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answered Sep 13 '13 at 02:34

Archangel

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but then again my memory might be a little slow on the zaraki thing its been awhile since I've either watched or read the manga for Bleach – Archangel Sep 13 '13 at 02:45

score 0 · Answer 6 · edited Dec 21 '13 at 18:57

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Ichigo cannot seal his sword for a few reasons 1. His seal state was destroyed by byakua 2. He dosent know how 3. His spiritual pressure most probably stops him from doing so

and kempatchi has already stated his sword does not have a sealed state due to his sirritual pressure. It maybe not a full shikai state but it isnt a sealed state possibly closer to how umichicas acts as he can partialy release his shikai

edited Dec 21 '13 at 18:57

Dimitri mx

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answered Dec 21 '13 at 17:30

chief_bloodfang

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Maybe have some sources to confirm it ? – Dimitri mx Dec 21 '13 at 18:57

score 0 · Answer 7 · edited Dec 05 '16 at 16:05

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It is not known whether or not Ichigo can reseal his Zanpakuto. However, Zaraki Kenpachi is a different story. Zaraki openly states he never put a seal on his Zanpakuto, opening a new level of discussion. It implies that when Shinigami receive their Zanpakuto they unconsiously put a seal on it which puts it in the common katana state. I could go on typing for days but the short answer is... Tite Kubo probably thinks Ichigo's Shikai looks better that his sealed state.

edited Dec 05 '16 at 16:05

Gao

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answered Jan 11 '14 at 03:49

user3288

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Can you clarify what you mean by "sealed"? – kuwaly Jan 11 '14 at 06:19

Why is Ichigo always in Shikai mode?

7 Answers7